|
Finally--Spring Has Sprung!
Greetings!
 I thought it would never get here, but spring has finally, truly arrived. I'll try very hard not to sound like the worst new agey-Hallmark card-Lifetime TV cliche ever, but there's just something about these first real sessions in my garden, digging in the moist earth and feeling the sun on my shoulders and a breeze on my face. It makes feel truly alive and connected to the world around me, as though this is exactly what I should be doing at this moment-nothing else.
I do not feel this way in August, when I'm dragging the hose grudgingly across the parched lawn, yet again, to try to save my diseased and dying tomatoes.
So savor the moment. It's fleeting. But then, that's another lovely lesson from gardening. Some of the best things in life are the best precisely because they are so very ephemeral.
Yours in highly philosophical gardening,
Veronica Lorson Fowler
|
Sold on Solomon's Seal
 I love the annual Perennial Plant of the Year Awards. They have steered me, without fail, to some of the best plants in my garden. Any plant that wins this award, I can assure you, will do well in your Iowa garden (as long as it get the sun or shade it needs).
However, I have to confess I'm a little puzzled by this year's winner, a shade-loving Solomon's seal (Polygonatum odoratum 'Variegatum').
It seems kind of dull, like the judges were stretching to find something for shade that wasn't a hosta. But such is my faith in this excellent award that I'm getting one for my garden. Click here for details.
Better yet, if you're looking for a new perennial or two for your garden, check out the past winners. It's a no-fail list to pick from.
|
|
Advertisement
 | |
Sedum 'desert black'
|
Yes, sunny and warm is just around the corner.
Fill your garden with our perennials!
Instead of offering a huge selection of perennials that you can easily find in any garden center, we offer a select collection of more uncommon sun loving perennials. Check out our unusually beautiful perennials perfect for a sunny spot at In the Country Garden and Gifts. There are also many other perennials available through our website and even more at our store.
Located in Independence, Iowa.
|
|
Evergreen Makeover
  Those heavy snows in March really took a toll on my taller evergreens, especially my arborvitae. The branches are still splayed out. But here's a quick fix. Gather up the branches and tie them together with a long strip of pantyhose.
Pantyhose are an ideal plant tying material because they're strong yet will stretch as the plant grows, and soft so they won't cut into the bark.
I'd leave the hose in place for the next year or two.
|
|
Make a Bulb Map 
Want a really nice bulb display next spring? Now, when this year's spring bulbs are at their peak, is the time to jot down where to plant more bulbs next fall. Take a photo, write down some notes, or draw a little map. Note how many bulbs you think should go in that spot and what type. Keep in mind how much you're willing to spend come fall. Most larger bulbs, such as tulips and daffodils, are about 50 cents each. Most smaller bulbs, like crocuses and grape hyacinths, are about 20 to 25 cents each. Then be sure to put it where you'll be able to find it next fall. For me, this is my garden journal. For you, it may be on your computer or in a file. |
|
|
|
|
Garden Quote
"It is good to be alone in a garden at dawn or dark so that all its shy presences may haunt you and possess you in a reverie of suspended thought."
~James Douglas, Down Shoe Lane
|
|
|
|
April Garden
To-Do List
 The last average frost date is almost here! It's May 10 for southern Iowa and May 15 for northern Iowa. That means you can plant anything outdoors now and not worry about it getting damaged by cold. So tuck in those tomato plants, peppers, basil, and other annual edibles and flowers after that date.
Plant gladiolus corms, canna rhizomes, and tuberous begonia tubers after danger of frost is well past and now that the soil is adequately warm.
Finish up planting of lettuces and spinach from seed.
You can continue to divide perennials that bloom in the summer or fall now, as needed or desired. Hold off on dividing those that bloom in late spring until either after they bloom or this fall.
Plant perennial edibles that like cool weather, such as rhubarb, strawberries, raspberries, and asparagus.
Plant now herbs that like cool weather, including parsley, chives, and cilantro. Also plant any perennial herbs, such as tarragon, oregano, thyme, and rosemary.
Wait to plant warm-season annuals, such as marigolds, tomatoes, and petunias, until after the last average frost
date in mid-May.
Wait to mulch until the ground warms up more, usually in late May or so
Click here for a complete list of what to plant when this month and the rest of the year.
Wait to plant the seeds of corn, squash, cucumbers, and beans. They like warm soil. Plant these the last week of May in southern Iowa, the first week of June in northern.
Time to prune most large trees, small trees, evergreens, and shrubs. You can also prune roses now.
Don't remove the browning foliage of tulips and daffodils until it pulls away easily. The plants need it to rejuvenate for next year.
|
|
Editor's Choice
Garden Events
(We know this is a repeat, but it's tomorrow and is still a great event to know about.)
Friday, May 10
National Public Garden Day
Don't miss the free admissions, free educational programs, tours, and events at five participating central Iowa gardens!
They are:
* Better homes and Gardens Test Garden
* Brenton Arboretum
* Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
* Iowa Arboretum
* Reiman Gardens
National Public Gardens Day is a day of celebration that invites communities to explore the beauty of their local green spaces while raising awareness of the important role public gardens play in promoting conservation, education and environmental preservation.
|
|
Advertisement
A New Source for Top-Quality Compost
I was excited to find out that central Iowa once again has a company that can supply excellent quality compost.
Steenhoek Environmental is a family-run business that supplies both pure compost and soil-compost blends. They deliver or you can drive to their business just north of Ames and fill everything from a 5-gallon bucket to a pickup truck.
Best of all, mention that you are a reader of The Iowa Gardener and you'll get 5 percent off any purchase over $50!
Call Chad Steenhoek 515-203-0072 or visit their website by clicking here.
|
|
